By Whitney Kimball Coe
We’ve hit that strange lull between the Christmas holiday and New Year’s, when it’s hard to know where to sit in the house or which book to open. In other years, before the pandemic marooned us in our homes, these were the days my family would take to blue highways to visit old friends and neighbors, seeking distraction before confronting the new year.
Pandemic or no, the suspension and suspense of this in-between time can be pretty dramatic — emotionally, that is. As the nights get colder, the countryside can feel lonely and desolate. The roads seem darker and more twisted, and tomorrow feels like a mystery. We need comfort and warmth, familiarity and connection.
Enter, Delilah.
A recent NYTimes Daily podcast reminded me that there is a voice in the dark, urging us forward. Delilah is a syndicated radio host who has been on the air as long as I’ve been alive. This year in particular, I believe her program could be the soundtrack for this in-between time, while we wait, worry, and yearn for what comes next.
For those of us not traveling blue highways this year, I’m happy to share a playlist of my favorite Delilah selections. I’m not sorry to include Rod Stewart, Rick Astley, or Kenny G. They’re in it for the long haul.
And we are, too. The Rural Assembly will be here on the other side of the in-between time.
Comfort & joy to you,
Whitney
